2014 NAWAC Training Camp

I had the pleasure of spending my last precious days of spring break attending the annual NAWAC training camp, which was held in deep Northeast Texas this year. This yearly event is held to bring new members up to speed on NAWAC policies & procedures, expectations and field protocols. It also presents an opportunity for veteran members to get to know the new folks and vice versa.

Various topics were addressed in multiple sessions over the two-day event. Topics addressed were:

- Safety in the field
- Lessons learned from Operations Endurance, Persistence and Relentless
- How to keep a proper field journal
- Investigator observations and anecdotes
- The essentials of teamwork
- Physiological stresses of extended field work
- Field scenarios and protocols
- Proper methods of evidence collection
- Nighttime research methods and tactics
- Recommended gear for the field
- Wrap up and group question and answer session

As you can see, it was a packed two days.

I was very encouraged by the quality and enthusiasm of our new members, some of whom traveled to Texas from as far away as New Hampshire and Maryland in order to attend. That, my friends, is commitment. We had a total of about 30 members attend the training camp and feel it was truly a worthwhile event. I look forward to working with all of our new members sometime soon.

If you are interested in joining the NAWAC and helping us in our efforts to document the North American wood ape, you can visit www.woodape.com and click the “Join the Team” link. Come help us make history.